Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate using quinoline‐sulfur dioxide complex and tetrahydrofuran‐sulfur dioxide complex as initiators

Aqueous polymerization of MMA was kinetically studied using separately two complexes of sulfur dioxide as initiators, namely, quinoline‐sulfur dioxide (Q‐SO 2 ) complex and tetrahydrofuran‐sulfur dioxide (THF‐SO 2 ) complex. In each case the initiator exponent was 0,5 and the monomer exponent was 1,5. Kinetic data, inhibitory effect of hydroquinone, and incorporation of sulfoxy end groups in the polymers indicate a radical mechanism of polymerization with first order dependence on monomer for the rate of initiation while termination appears to take place bimolecularly.